NAACP Commends Bloomberg for Major Move to Support Black Medical Schools, Gifts $600 Million in Endowments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 6, 2024

Contact: Alicia Mercedes, [email protected]

WASHINGTON - Today, Bloomberg Philanthropies announced a $600 million gift to the endowments at the historically Black medical schools of Howard University College of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Morehouse School of Medicine, and Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science, and a seed grant to Xavier University of Louisiana, which is opening a new medical school. HBCUs at the undergraduate and graduate levels produce an overwhelming majority of Black doctors, nearly 70 percent. This donation will serve to strengthen and make that distinction even more robust.

Derrick Johnson, NAACP President and CEO, shared the following statement:

"Equity in healthcare is crucial for Black Americans, as it is often a matter of life or death. Today's bold and historic move by Bloomberg to support Black medical schools is a welcome step toward positive change for the Black community for generations to come. We know all too well that healthcare disparities and the effects of systemic racism are rampant across every state in our nation. The way forward is through strategic partnerships that cultivate assets in our communities and share power in credible and human-centered ways. The NAACP celebrates this game-changing moment for health equity and, and we look forward to witnessing true, lasting change in our communities."

According to a study conducted in 2022, Black Americans make up 13% of the U.S. population, yet only 6% of U.S. physicians are Black. At the core of solving health inequities is creating more vibrant pipelines for diverse and inclusive physicians to lead, innovate, and care for Black communities who experience shorter life expectancies and unfair disease burdens.

Bloomberg Philanthropies has issued a bold call to action for others to invest in our collective future by driving Black health, Black futures, and health equity as a roadmap to racial justice and collective impact. The NAACP has worked to build equity in healthcare for Black Americans for over a century. We support this effort and will continue our fight for a more inclusive healthcare system in America.

For more informations on our health equity work, visit our website.

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for the civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund - also referred to as the NAACP-LDF - was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.

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